lower class
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lower class
The social group in a society with the lowest income, level of education, and social status. The term is used in sociology, but in everyday language it can be perceived as derogatory.
Eine neue Studie untersucht die Lebensbedingungen der städtischen Unterschicht.
A new study examines the living conditions of the urban lower class.
The word is made up of 'unter-' (lower/under) and 'die Schicht' (class/stratum/layer). It literally describes the lowest social class or level of a society.
Soziologen analysieren die Verteilung von Wohlstand in Ober-, Mittel- und Unterschicht.
Sociologists analyze the distribution of wealth among the upper, middle, and lower classes.
Although it is a sociological technical term, the word 'Unterschicht' (lower class) can be perceived as derogatory and hurtful in everyday language. It should be used with caution.
Die öffentliche Debatte über die sogenannte Unterschicht ist oft von Vorurteilen geprägt.
The public debate about the so-called lower class is often shaped by prejudice.
The word is often used in connection with sociological topics, such as 'Angehörige der Unterschicht' (members of the lower class), 'aus der Unterschicht stammen' (to come from the lower class), or 'zur Unterschicht zählen' (to be counted as part of the lower class).
Die Studie befasst sich mit den Aufstiegschancen von Kindern aus der Unterschicht.
The study deals with the upward mobility opportunities of children from the lower class.
SMEs / middle class
'der Mittelstand' and 'die Unterschicht' describe different social groups. 'Mittelstand' means the social middle, that is, people with relatively secure income, education, and social status. 'Unterschicht' means the group with very low income, little education, or weak social status. The contrast, then, lies in social and economic position. 'Unterschicht' can sound harsh or derogatory in everyday language, so it is used carefully, especially when talking about people.
In der Studie geht es um Familien aus der Unterschicht und ihre Chancen in der Schule.
The study is about lower-class families and their opportunities at school.
Der Mittelstand ist in dieser Stadt stark gewachsen.
The middle class has grown strongly in this city.